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Release No: 013-06January 05, 2006

Dorrance Smith Sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs

J. Dorrance Smith was sworn in as the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, during a ceremony at the Pentagon,Washington, D.C. Smith was nominated by President George W. Bush to be the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs on Sept. 22, 2005.

Smith said he was honored to be appointed by President Bush. "I feel privileged to be joining Secretary Rumsfeld's team, and I'm grateful for the secretary's confidence in my ability to serve in this position," Smith said. "I look forward to serving the men and women of our great military and the Defense Department."

Smith recently served as a media consultant for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. He previously served as a senior media advisor for the Coalition Provision Authority in Baghdad, Iraq. He also served as assistant to the President for media affairs during President George H.W. Bush's administration. Smith was an Emmy-winning producer at ABC. He was executive producer of ABC News' "This Week with David Brinkley" and ABC News' "Nightline." Smith received his bachelor's degree from Claremont Men's College.